Electrical systems

All components of the power unit, gearbox, clutch and differential, in addition to all associated actuators, must be controlled by the standard ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

The ECU will implement a “lockout” period after each race start or pit stop during which a
number of power unit and clutch related functions will be frozen or disabled.Article 8.3.2 of the 2018 FIA Technical Regulations

The standard ECU, which is manufactured by an FIA designated supplier to a specification determined by the FIA, may only be used with approved software and must be connected to the control system wiring loom, sensors and actuators in a specified manner.

The electrical and software systems of all cars are inspected by the FIA at the start of the season and the teams must notify them in advance of any subsequent changes.

All software must be registered with the FIA, who check all the programmable systems on the cars prior to each event to ensure that the correct software versions are being used.

Electronic systems which can automatically detect the race start signal are forbidden.

Pit to car telemetry is prohibited.

All pit to car radio transmissions must be open and accessible to both the FIA and broadcasters.

In the event of an accident, each car carries an accident data recorder and is also fitted with a warning light which is connected to the FIA data logger. The light, which is situated on the top surface of the car, in front of the cockpit, illuminates automatically, thus giving rescue crews an immediate indication of the accident severity.

In the cockpit, every car must have a track signal information display (usually integrated into the steering wheel), which informs the driver of circuit conditions via red, blue and yellow lights (corresponding to the colours of the track marshals’ flags).